PRSA Announces Inaugural Women of Impact Award Winners
Aug. 6, 2026
Several Recognized for Leadership, Innovation and Lasting Contributions to the Communications Profession
NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2026 — PRSA, the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community, today announced the recipients of its inaugural Women of Impact Awards. The honorees were recognized during the PRSA Women of Impact Summit & Awards at the Union League Club of Chicago.
The awards celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and influence are strengthening organizations, advancing the profession and creating opportunities for others. Recipients represent a wide range of career stages and practice areas, reflecting the breadth of leadership across the communications profession.
The awards followed a morning Summit focused on leadership and the future of communications. Programming featured Cheryl Procter-Rogers, APR, Fellow PRSA, MCC, presenting “Beyond the Title: Expanding Your Influence, Impact and Legacy,” as well as discussions exploring artificial intelligence, communications in sports and entertainment, and the evolving role of measurement.
“These remarkable professionals demonstrate that leadership is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the people we inspire, mentor and empower,” said PRSA Chair Heide Harrell, MA, APR. “Their vision, integrity and commitment to excellence are creating meaningful change, strengthening our profession and opening doors for the next generation of communications leaders.”
The 2026 PRSA Women of Impact Award recipients are:
Agency Excellence: Elexis Schroder, SchroderHaus Marketing Communications
Agency Leader: Tina Kozak, Franco
Association/Nonprofit: Elizabeth Neiman, The International Society of Automation
Brand Storyteller: Jennifer Hawton, APR, PEMCO Mutual Insurance
Corporate Communications: Rosanna Fiske, APR, Fellow PRSA, Signature Aviation
Counselors to Higher Education: Teresa Valerio Parrot, Ed.D., APR, TVP Communications
Crisis & Issues Navigator: Lieutenant Commander Courtney Callaghan, APR+M, U.S. Navy
Financial Communications: Alice Ferreira, Webster Bank
Global Communications Leader: Haiwen Lu Langworth, Tent Partnership for Refugees
Independent Practitioners: Felicia Perez, APR, FAR Public Relations
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Monique Farmer, APR, Avant Solutions
Innovative Use of AI & Communications Technology: Diane Schwartz, Ragan Communications
Internal Communications: Brandi Smith, Avista
Media Relations & Reputation Builder: Jessica Schaefer, Capital V Strategies
Mentor & Coach: Monique Farmer, APR, Avant Solutions
Public Affairs & Government: Mary Deming Barber, APR, Fellow PRSA, City of Gig Harbor
Purpose & Community Impact: Lyndsey Akers, Akers and Company
Rising Star: Tanvi Kamlesh Chauhan, Visit Savannah
Social Influencer: Kristen Nicholson, APR, mhp.si
Sports: Sheerin Salimi, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
Travel & Tourism: Supriya Christopher, Visit Savannah
Awards of Commendation
Agency Excellence: Jess Overbeck, Artemis ARC
Agency Leader: Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations
Agency Leader: Kristi Piehl, Media Minefield
Agency Leader: Sarah Segal, Segal Communications
Corporate Communications: Stacey McCray, Bojangles
Counselors to Higher Education: Cassie Ann Kiggen, University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Crisis & Issues Navigator: Kari Porter, Scout Lab
Crisis & Issues Navigator: Amber Roberts, Vested
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Kimberly Eberl, The Motion Agency
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Leah Gladu, KWI Communications
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Tara McDonagh, Tara McDonagh Communications Inc.
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Genna Rosenberg, GennComm
Industry Champion/Thought Leader: Rachel Rosenblatt, FTI Consulting
Media Relations & Reputation Builder: Ashley Bernardi, Nardi Media, LLC
Mentor & Coach: Kara Christ, CCS Fundraising
Public Affairs & Government: Brenda Duran, Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department
Public Affairs & Government: Natasha Hill, MBA, Tarrant Regional Water District
Public Affairs & Government: Keagan Lenihan, PMI U.S.
Public Affairs & Government: Katherine McLane, The MACH 1 Group
Purpose & Community Impact: Marian Salzman, PMI U.S.
The Women of Impact Summit & Awards was created to provide opportunities to learn from accomplished leaders, celebrate excellence and ensure future generations see themselves reflected in today’s communications leaders.
About PRSA
PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.
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Media Contact:
Linda Beltran, APR
linda.beltran@prsa.org
